National Trust sites perfect for walks within Coventry and Warwickshire

With the summer season nearly ending and autumn soon approaching, many people might want to stay indoors as the weather turns cooler, but others may see it as a chance to enjoy some natural sites and explore the outdoors.

The UK is known for its National Trust sites, rural walking routes, nature trails, and coastal paths. There are always scenic routes across the country, and you can't beat a good walk as it's a great way to spend time with family and friends.

Here are the best National Trust sites and places for walks within Coventry and Warwickshire.

Read more: I went to under-rated Coventry attraction and I barely spent a penny

1) Coombe Abbey Park

Coombe Abbey offers 500 acres of stunning woodlands and gardens, perfect for lakeside walks and birdwatching. It is an ideal place for a family day out, for example, the Go Ape adventure park offers children a thrilling experience with tree-top challenges, and for the younger ones, Hermit's Hallow has adventure play areas with obstacle courses to enjoy.

The parkland is rated a 4.5 on TripAdvisor, with many positive reviews. One visitor wrote: "We visited Coombe Abbey Park on the way home after a weekend chill break. We had a lovely afternoon walking all the set-out routes around the estate’s woodlands and fields.

"The Abbey itself is a stunning view from a very historic and tastefully crafted arboretum/gardens. The surrounding area has lots of natural conservation to see, the view from the heron hide is worth a look. The walks are well sign-posted and mapped around the whole park."

Location: Brinklow Rd, Binley, CV3 2AB

2) Baddesley Clinton

Baddesley Clinton was the home of the Ferrers family for 500 years. The moated manor house was a sanctuary not only for the family but also for persecuted Catholics who were hidden from priest hunters in its secret hiding places during the 1950s.

The house includes a peaceful garden that includes fish pools, a walled garden, a recently restored vegetable plot, and a lakeside walk. There's also a Barn Restaurant that serves hot and cold food and drinks, plus sweet treats plus seasonal plants are on sale in the barnyard and second-hand bookshops in the stables.

Location: Rising Lane, Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire, B93 0DQ

3) Charlecote Park

Charlecote Park is located within the riverside tranquility of the Warwickshire countryside on the edge of Stratford-upon-Avon. It has over 180 acres of parkland to explore with much of the landscape being initially shaped by Capability Brown and a deer park that hosts free-roaming fallow deer.

Across the courtyard, you can explore the laundry and brewhouse which was once a busy working estate, and discover the stables that house the family's carriage collection, each with their own story to tell. The gardens that Mary Elizabeth loved are still present with a formal parterre, rare plants in the woodlands, and colourful herbaceous planting.

Location: Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9ER

4) Coughton Court

Coughton Court has been home to the Throckmorton family for 600 years. The Throckmorton family were leaders during a dangerous time, helping to bring about Catholic emancipation in the 19th century.

Away from the house and gardens, there's a play area for the younger ones with a range of trails and activities, or for those who enjoy a walk, a stroll through the ancient woodlands which has bluebells in the spring is a must-visit, and a visit to the restaurant for a relaxing cream tea.

Location: Coughton, Alcester B49 5JA

5) Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve is set on 220 acres which includes woodlands, grassland, large pools, and a variety of footpaths around the reedbeds for nature walks. This park is amazing for bird-watching throughout the reserve where you'll find a mouse maze, the orchard, mini-beast homes, as well as a sensory garden.

Make sure to check out the sunset which looks beautiful over the marshes if you visit in the evenings. Another 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor with people saying it's "good family fun" with "lovely walks".

One person said: "Had an amazing time here with my little boy and older siblings. Lovely serene walks and lots for the little people to explore. People of all ages having fun within the reserve!"

Location: Brandon Lane, CV3 3GW

6) Ryton Pools Country Park

Ryton Pools has 100 acres waiting to be explored with ancient woodlands and has various wildlife to see. The park has easy walking paths around the sites with Ryton Woods adjacent to the park, as well as a sensory trail, a miniature railway, and two play areas.

The park opened in 1996 with over 2,500 trees and shrubs planted and is rated 4 on TripAdvisor. One visitor wrote: "Great place - fabulous for dog walking. Great made-up paths and lovely scenic views to be had of the lovely place."

Location: Ryton Rd, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, CV8 3BH

7) Hartshill Hayes Country Park

Nestled in the hills north of Nuneaton, Hartshill Hayes Country Park is split into two areas of ancient hilly woodland. While renowned for glorious displays of bluebells in the Springtime, the park has enough beauty to 'take your breath away all year round'.

Its lofty position affords spectacular panoramic views over four counties on a clear day. The site also has an adventure play area and a tea kiosk. It has a 4.5 rating of 391 reviews on TripAdvisor. One five-star comment said: "Lovely woodland to walk through. Some steep terrain. Not all flat. Cheap parking at £3 a day. Lovely cafe hatch for a warm drink."

Location: Oldbury Road, Nuneaton, CV10 0TE

Have we missed any National trust sites in Coventry and Warwickshire worth visiting? Let us know in the comments below.

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